Russian Black Terrier

This breed is known for being robust and generally healthy. If you’re interested in a Russian Black Terrier, only buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. They breed with a pedigree and take extensive health measures to reduce the risk of specific diseases.

As with all large dogs, parent dogs should undergo tests for hip and elbow dysplasia before breeding. There is some susceptibility within the breed to neurological conditions, heart diseases like cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis, and eye diseases.

Follow breed-specific feeding tips for large dogs and coat care guidelines to keep your furry pal healthy. The breed can reach up to 14 years of age, which is quite high for a dog of this size. 

Feeding a Russian Black Terrier

Like all dogs, the Russian Black Terrier needs a diet rich in high-quality proteins. Choose foods with high meat content and avoid grains. It’s especially important that this breed doesn’t gain weight too quickly during growth. While it should grow into a large dog from a small puppy, it should do so slowly. Rapid growth can irreparably damage bones and joints.

Do not allow your puppy or young dog to eat as much as it wants. Give it up to six meals a day, following the feeding recommendations of each manufacturer. Puppy food for large dogs is specially formulated for large breeds’ needs. Get a growth chart for large breeds from your breeder or vet, and regularly check your Russian Black Terrier’s weight.

Adult dogs of this breed should have 2-3 meals per day. After eating, the dog should rest, as Russian Black Terriers, like all large breeds, are prone to gastric torsion.

Treats can also be healthy: for example, dental care snacks or dried meat chunks are good choices. Stick to moderation since extra weight increases the risk of hip dysplasia. Always provide your dog with fresh water.

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Don’t take the grooming of this impressive breed lightly if you consider bringing a Russian Black Terrier into your home. Thoroughly brush the coat 2-3 times a week to prevent matting. Start brushing it as a puppy to enjoy a positive grooming ritual later. Regularly trim the fur between the paws, especially in winter, to prevent snow clumps.

Additionally, trim hair growing towards the eyes before it causes inflammation. Ear hair can also lead to infections and should be removed regularly with a rounded tweezer. Get the ideal ear care for your Russian Black Terrier shown by a groomer or trusted breeder. Trim the coat every month or two to remove dead undercoat.

While grooming is quite time-consuming, it benefits not only the dog’s well-being but also strengthens the bond between you. One significant advantage is that the Russian Black Terrier hardly sheds, avoiding seasonal shedding altogether. Regularly check and trim the claws as necessary.

Russian Black Terrier Exercise

Though described as rather cosy at home, the Russian Black Terrier is up for almost any fun outdoors. Pure distance running is not enough for it. If it only runs alongside its owner, it will quickly get bored – mental stimulation is also essential. Patient training makes it an excellent therapy, rescue, or tracking dog.

Of course, it’s also a fantastic guard dog. Ensure your puppy doesn’t overdo it or jump too much to protect its joints. Once fully grown and with your vet’s approval, a Russian Black Terrier can join you on jogging rounds with careful training. However, it’s not a long-distance runner. Learning small tricks or agility exercises suitable for its size is also enjoyable for many in this breed.

The Russian Black Terrier is a comparatively young breed, dating back to the 1940s. Russian breeders aimed to create a new working dog by selectively crossing different breeds. Apart from character, their focus was on ensuring the dog could perform in all climate zones of Russia, with little attention to appearance.

Familiar dog breeds contributed to its development: “forefather” of the Russian Black Terrier was a Giant Schnauzer named Roy, who was mated with various females. Consequently, the breed’s ancestors are almost a third Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, and Airedale Terrier. Breeds like the Newfoundland, Shepherd Dogs, and Great Danes also played a minor role.

The target was a stable, robust, and courageous watchdog and police dog. Initial specimens were used mainly as guard dogs in prisons and as army and police dogs. The breed also secured borders.

However, it soon became evident that these dogs weren’t ideal “professional dogs” for several reasons. The dogs are very people-oriented, suffering in the prescribed kennel housing. Additionally, coat care proved too demanding for “service dogs.”

Finally, the Russian Black Terrier takes nearly three years to become fully grown, which complicates its economically profitable use as a service dog.

The breed was exclusively bred by the state-owned Red Star Kennel until 1957. However, once dogs were in private hands, dog enthusiasts quickly recognised their positive traits as family dogs, leading to the breed’s gradual establishment. Russia recognised them as an independent breed in 1981, and three years later, the FCI recognised the Russian Black Terrier, initially known as “Black Terrier.”